Authenticator Apps.. ?

Discussion in 'Computer Corner' started by ricky101, Nov 28, 2023.

  1. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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    Hi,

    Just had a message suggesting we change from our 2FA Text method over to an Authenticator App as its deemed safer, fair comment, always looking for greater online safety.

    Thing is, there are lots of such Authenticator Apps out there including Google and MicroSoft, but are there any better , though still simple , ones to use ?
    Always a bit dubious about putting too much info their way.
     
    ricky101, Nov 28, 2023
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  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    I have a couple installed for work but the main one seems to be Microsoft Authenticator. Only needed once in a blue moon.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
      Loofah, Nov 28, 2023
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    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

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      Yes thanks, it was genuine :thumbsup:
       
      ricky101, Nov 29, 2023
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    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

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      Well been looking at a few sites and ytubes about these Auth Apps and the base idea does seem more secure than a simple unsecure text.

      However it seems much like the password managers where you put all your eggs in one basket.
      Short of using MS or Goggle how do you know if all the other smaller free providers will keep going.

      What happens if their servers go down, our network fails or our mobile gets stolen/lost, then all our sites will be blocked .

      Know there are the USB /Yubi keys but they are not cheap, even their auto selector comes up with a $50 key for beginner like us, plus you need to buy another one for backup !

      May be handy for those who live on the internet but for our use, seems too much of a risk for our liking.
       
      ricky101, Nov 29, 2023
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Ignorance, appears to be bliss:biggrin:
      I dont have a clue what an Authenticator app is so I'm not pulling my hair out worrying.:biggrin:
      Do I need one????
       
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        pete, Nov 29, 2023
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        You're correct in that, as you may not be able to spare it. :heehee:
         
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          shiney, Nov 30, 2023
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          No. I used them whilst working, they add another level of security on top of passwords and/or biometrics (fingerprints/retina scan). You have to enter a number the app generates which changes every 30 seconds or so. I also had to use a hardware key too, looked like a pager that also generated a new code every 30 seconds.

          Not necessary for the vast majority of us on home pcs or smartphones.
           
          • Informative Informative x 3
            JWK, Nov 30, 2023
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          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Yep,I certainly don't need all that. :biggrin:
             
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              pete, Nov 30, 2023
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